The thali is a percussion instrument of the family of idiophones used in Indian folk music.
It is a round, flat metal platter used in cuisine that is beaten with a stick if it is held with the other hand, or beaten with two sticks if it is placed on the floor or on a stand.
The thali frequently accompanies the dhol or maddal drum in various dances.
Garland Encyclopedia of World Music (Book 5).
Routledge; Har/Com edition (November 1999).